Office of the Principal
Wolf Hill School
Oceanport, New Jersey  07757

June 2009

Dear Parents,

In April, my parent letter included many dates indicating culminating activities and events that would take place here in our school. Well, the Spring concert was terrific. Who needs to go to Broadway? The Mexican Fiesta, International Exchange Day and the Native American Pow-Wow were all examples of how Wolf Hill teachers teach content, confidence and community. Additionally, buses left school each day to take students to Jenkinson's Aquarium, Manasquan Reservoir, Sandy Hook, Kateri and Holmdel Park. Each trip was planned and executed with great attention to detail so the students could enjoy a relaxed and educational experience. This month brings us a trip to Trenton, the Dance Demo, an Art Show, the Flannery Brothers and an environmental session about Rain Gardens. I continue to be in awe of today's parents and teachers who participate so actively to provide Wolf Hill kids the very best. I have seen first hand how children grow socially, emotionally and academically as a result of the quality educational experiences that are created by our talented teachers (not a textbook company) each year.  I also know that our programs, trips, and culminating activities work because of your support. Thanks for that! 

This monthly letter is published to keep you informed about policies and to provide you with updates about school events. To start, my next sentence is only three words but comes with tremendous heartfelt consideration. I am retiring. I stood before my first class of fifth graders at the age of 21. My teaching and learning experiences from that point forward have been varied and hugely satisfying. I can only wish that my own children and yours too, will find a career that provides challenges, opportunities for growth, creativity and tremendous rewards. I am proud of what I've accomplished and have made the decision that it's time for someone new to bring Wolf Hill to even greater heights. My last work day will be on July 31st, 2009. There is a committee in place to hire my replacement. I'll spend the month of July helping with the transition and the new principal will have an opportunity to get to know the teachers and staff, casually, as they come in to prepare their classrooms in August. I will miss my days at Wolf Hill. There is really no where else that you're made to feel like a Hollywood hero among the children each and everyday. It has certainly been my privilege.

Other staffing changes for next year are few. Mrs. Gallagher will return to teaching the 3rd and 4th grade Basic Skills Improvement Program and Mrs. Amy Wenner will teach a second grade class. Mr. Orefice and I are watching carefully the numbers related to Kindergarten registration for the next school year. To date, it has not yet been determined whether or not there will be three or four Kindergarten classes.

The implementation of Everyday Math in third and fourth grade, was met with both success and struggles. We did learn that the program does provide challenge for all students. As a result, consideration is being given to discontinuing an advanced math class in fourth grade next year. The decision will not be made lightly and will come only after the careful review of student and instructional data. The Super3 and Big6 research projects continue to provide our students with opportunities for enrichment, choice and guided research. Much time is spent on teaching research as a process in addition to the completion of a final research report. This approach is most commendable as we find ourselves in the Information Age, where what we know today doubles every six months. Guiding students in the acquisition of inquiry and research skills is indeed important work.  

Each year, I try to encourage summer reading with a Principal's Challenge. I have climbed to the roof of the school using the ladder on a fire truck and I rode my bike around the school many, many times. My plan that made individual connections with students through letters and technology, however, seemed to be the best way to promote summer reading. This year, a committee will be established to decide on a suitable challenge for the new  principal. Additionally, Mrs. Rajner and I will send home with each child a summer reading folder. This folder will be distributed on June 19th. The folder will contain suggested summer reading lists and parent information. Also in the folder will be a schedule of days that the Wolf Hill Library will be open this summer. Mrs. Risden will be available on these days and students may check out books for their reading pleasure. Reading opens doors and promotes life-long learning. Please help your child to do his/her summer reading.

As the end of the year approaches and the weather gets warmer, I would like to ask for your assistance with regard to our school dress code. I am asking that all students come to school dressed appropriately and ready to learn. Short skirts, short shorts, flip-flops and open back shoes are not acceptable. Sneakers with laces are the best! To keep students safe and avoid needless injury, Mrs. Molzon and I have instructed the aides to have children stay off the equipment and swings unless they are wearing sneakers. Please monitor the clothing that your child selects each morning and assist him/her with making good choices that will allow for complete participation in recess and gym classes.

Our first year working with the guidelines outlined in the Nutrition and Wellness board policy brought many changes. It was hard but in the best interest of kids. Once again,  we made it through the tough times like Halloween and Valentine's Day. I feel good in having followed the rules and I'm in awe of your creativity in finding alternative treats for kids. I hope you feel the changes were positive too. The birthday book program helps to build our library book collection while celebrating a student's birthday in a way that is calorie, peanut and sugar free. That's what I call a win-win!

Mrs. Walling and Mrs. Davis conducted a Team Building Day (formerly known as Field Day) in September, but we saved the fourth grade Tug-of-War for June. The annual Tug-Of-War will be held on Friday, June 19th at about 9:30 a.m. You're invited to watch and may go straight to the "backyard" without signing in at the main office.

June 1 - 4A (Mrs. Davis's class) to Maple Place for Orientation
June 3 - Dance Club Demo at 1:15 on the Blacktop
June 4 - 4D (Mrs. Davis's class) to Maple Place for Orientation
June 5 - Dance Club members to Maple Place
June 5 - All Library Books are due back
June 8 - Fourth Grade Trenton Trip
June 9 - 4B (Mrs. Saffioti's class) to Maple Place for Orientation
June 10 - Art Show in the Gym  6:30-7:30
June 10 – 4C (Mrs. O'Donnell's class) to Maple Place for Orientation
June 12 - Book Buddy Reunion (Grades 1 and 4) 1:00
June 15 - Flannery Brothers Sing Along for Grades K-2
June 18 - Rain Garden Presentation for Grades 3 and 4
June 19 – Challenge the Principal Announcement
                  Fourth Grade Tug-of-War
June 22 – Kindergarten Graduation Student Performance
                Awards Ceremony
June 23 – Last Day of School
                Kindergarten Graduation for Parents
                Look for Report Cards!

Half days are scheduled for June 19th, June 22nd and June 23rd. Dismissal will be as close to 12:35 as possible. The last day of school is on Tuesday, June 23rd. Once again, it has my privilege to watch your child(ren) grow another year older, taller, wiser and smarter. Thank you for sharing them with me.

Have a wonderful summer!

Sincerely, 

Renee Bonin, Principal